'Shameless' star accused of mocking Islam

Qasim Akhtar has revealed that he has been criticised for his portrayal of Islam on Shameless.

Akhtar, who is Muslim himself, told The Sun that people often complain about the behaviour of his character Chesney.

"My mum understands it all and I've had no problems from my family," he said. "But I have had it from people in the street. They are trying to say that it isn't right to be promoting that sort of behaviour.

"They believe it is making a mockery by showing Muslims doing certain things on Shameless. It could be taken like that, but most people see it in a different way. Chesney doesn't give a s**t about religion as he drinks, smokes weed and parties with birds."

However, Akhtar explained that he doesn't let the comments affect him.

"Why would I change what I am doing because some strangers don't like it?" he said. "I reckon people say it out of jealousy nowadays. That is the community I live in."